What Should You Expect On A River Nile Cruise

For several years, River Nile cruises have been taking holidaymakers and visitors on a magical journey back in time along this superb river. A combination of exploring the wonders of historical Egypt coupled with a mellow journey south from Luxor to Aswan is ever successful with holiday makers.

A standard Nile cruise lasts seven nights and run Monday to Monday. Direct flights from Britain bring tourists to Luxor and then they are transferred to their cruise vessel to check in. The following morning, the journey into ancient Egypt begins with a head over to to the East Bank of the Nile at Luxor which includes the Temples of Karnak and Luxor.

The next day, the sightseeing moves on to the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings prior to returning to the cruise boat for lunch. Immediately after lunch, the cruise boat leaves Luxor proceeding south for Edfu. Immediately after an overnight mooring at Edfu, there are additional trips to temples at both Edfu and Kom Ombo prior to moving on to Aswan.

The next day, its time to take a look at Aswan and a more up-to-date structure; the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam formed Lake Nasser, itself a cruise location. In the afternoon, there is time to sail on a traditional Egyptian Felucca along this very beautiful section of the River nile. The Cataract Hotel in Aswan overlooks the river and it is where Agatha Christie published part of her popular book, “Death on the Nile”.

Following an overnight stay in Aswan, there is some time available to explore the town or otherwise, there is an optional excursion to the impressive Temple of Abu Simbel at the southern end of Lake Nasser. It is a long way to Abu Simbel, either 45 minutes by plane or three hours but it is really worth the hassle.

Aswan signifies the turn-around point for Nile cruises and now the ship heads back north the 80 miles to Luxor. The journey takes a couple of days with an overnight stay at Edfu before heading back to Luxor. The week sailing along the River Nile is over and tourists return to the airport and home.